Women Group Urges Swift Passage of Special Seats Bill to Ensure 2027 Election Inclusion

The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) is sounding the alarm: Nigeria's National Assembly must act now to pass the Special Seats Bill, or women risk being shut out of the 2027 general elections. Sister Eucharia Madueke, Coordinator of AFJN’s Women Empowerment Project, stressed that time is running out, with political parties soon beginning their primaries. The bill, intended to boost women's participation, is still awaiting passage and presidential assent.

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There is a bill presently in the National Assembly that will give an easy passage for women to participate in the 2027 election. However, we are racing against time. Political parties will soon start conducting their primaries, and the bill is still there, not yet assented to.

Madueke lamented the difficulties in engaging with key National Assembly committees but vowed to continue advocacy. She specifically called on the media to amplify their voice, recognizing its crucial role in circulating their demands. The AFJN argues that affirmative action, including the creation of special seats, is essential for women to compete effectively in Nigeria's male-dominated political landscape. They clarify that this is not about competing against men, but about creating a space for women to compete amongst themselves and catch up.

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We are now throwing it back to you, media people, to circulate this. You are the only ones that can help us highlight our voice.

Beyond special seats, the group advocates for broader reforms to make political participation more accommodating. This includes creating violence-free and conducive environments, acknowledging that women often juggle political ambitions with significant domestic responsibilities. Dr. Amaka Ilochgwe, AFJN Legal Officer, highlighted Nigeria's international obligations under treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), noting that while ratified, its provisions are yet to be fully domesticated and implemented.

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The kind of affirmative action we are asking for is not for women to compete with men. We want our women to compete among themselves so that we are able to catch up.

This push for the Special Seats Bill reflects a broader, ongoing struggle for gender equality in Nigerian politics. While Western media might focus on election outcomes or broader democratic trends, for many Nigerian women and advocacy groups, the fight is at the granular level of legislative mechanisms that can ensure their voices are heard. The urgency stems from the deeply entrenched structural barriers that have historically marginalized women in the political arena, making legislative intervention a necessary, albeit contested, step towards more inclusive governance.

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Nigeria is a state party to several international treaties. There is an obligation to protect, promote and fulfil these commitments.